Do i HAVE to have an IV during birth?

Question

I plan on doing an all natural birth. I see an OBGYN so I will be giving birth in a hospital.
I know its dumb my one of my biggest things I don't want is an IV. I'm terrified of needles, to the point where I tear up getting blood drawn and every time I have to get an IV I have a full blown out panic attack. 
Is it required that I have an IV? Am I allowed to say no?
P.S. I don't need any negative or rude comments about the needle fear.

Answer

Your hospital may require you to at least have a hep lock which isn't as bad. IVs are the worst. And kind of unnecessary. Find out what their policy is! 
Or you can just go to the hospital so close to delivering that there's literally no time for them to put even a hep lock in 😉 That's how I avoided it!

Answer

Hello! As a former L&D nurse, my answer would be that it probably depends on the policies and protocols set within the hospital or birthing center you will be at. If you have an uncomplicated labor, and you do not want an epidural OR IV pain medication, then no, you do not need an IV. If the baby is having some heart rate problems during labor, you might need one if other methods to help the heart rate do not help, i.e. (Turning, O2).

But yes!! It is very possible. There were many times a woman rushed in at 8 CM and had a baby in 30 min before we could barely get her checked in, let alone come after her with a needle. 😉😁 good luck!!

Answer

You do not UNLESS you don't plan on drinking fluids yourself, or you are positive for GBS. There may be other reasons I'm not aware of, but I think those are the top two. I plan on not having an IV at all either, and am planning a natural birth as well.

Answer

Maybe you should look into a doula, or a friend/family member, who can advocate for you. Someone to be there to offer you support and whatnot, while also making sure your wishes are followed.

Answer

If your hospital is pushy about IVs, a good phrase to use is "Can this wait?"
Many nurses just have a routine that they don't even think about and will just say that's it's time for your IV, etc. however, you can ask them to delay it. They like to put it in early, just in case of an emergency, but there's no reason why they can't put it in later - if it is actually needed - none at all.
If you aren't GBS positive, there's no reason why you'd expect to have an IV, especially as I assume you plan to drink fluids yourself during labor.

Lastly, you must consent to anything that is done to you or your baby, so you may also say no :)
Best of luck!

Answer

I agree with B. A lot of hospitals will push  you.  The best thing to do, I think, would be to discuss this with your OB. If they are okay with it, they may tell the hospital that you have it only if necessary. Good luck.

Answer

No you can refuse. I didn't have a hep lock or IV.

Answer

My hospital is very pro natural child birth so I will have a portable one I will be free to labor how I want which is awesome.

Answer

Most hospitals push for you to have it

Answer

Discuss it with your OB or talk to the hospital you plan on birthing at for what their policies are with birth. Some won't let you even choose a birthing position other than lying down. I think this depends on your country as well. I wasn't asked or offered an IV before or after delivery. The most they did was fetal heart monitoring while I was pushing. I'm in Canada. Either way, you have the right to decline medical interventions.

Do i HAVE to have an IV during birth?

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